04 Nov 2025

Botswana mourns the passing of one of its most seasoned diplomats and peace advocates, Ambassador Joseph (88) who died peacefully at his home in Phakalane on October 31. 

Born in Mathathane, Bobirwa, Legwaila’s journey from rural classrooms to global diplomatic arenas was marked not by loud ambition, but by a quiet determination to serve. 

He began as a primary school teacher, first at Semolale Primary School and later at Mosweu Primary School in Tswapong during the 1950s.

His keen intellect and clarity of thought were evident early. 

His nephew, Mr Ishmael Mbe, remembers the young Legwaila as a brilliant student even during their teacher training days at Serowe Teacher Training College in 1960. 

He recalls one moment vividly the day their instructor assigned students to deliver demonstration lessons. Legwaila chose to teach the complex topic of communism.

“He taught for 45 minutes calmly and clearly,” Mr Mbe remembered. 

“Our teacher was so impressed she arranged for him to further his studies abroad. That lesson changed the course of his life,” he said.

He later earned a Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from the University of Calgary and a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Alberta before returning home to serve his country.

In 1973 he joined the Office of the President as an Assistant External Affairs officer and soon became the first Senior Private Secretary to the founding President Sir Seretse Khama. 

He continued serving under the presidency of Sir Ketumile Masire whose government recognised his dedication by awarding him the Presidential Order of Honour in 1992.

In 1980 he was appointed Botswana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, a position he would hold for 22 years, also serving as non-resident ambassador to Cuba, Guyana and Jamaica. 

During these decades, he represented Botswana through shifting global alliances and crises quietly but firmly ensuring that the interests of a young nation were respected on the world stage.

 He also served as vice president of the United Nations General Assembly three times and twice presided over the UN Security Council when Botswana held a temporary seat.

Former permanent secretary and historian, Dr Jeff Ramsay described him as ‘a towering figure in Botswana’s diplomatic history’ noting that his legacy was reflected both in major continental developments and in the countless behind-the-scenes negotiations where his calm presence prevented escalation.

“He was deeply respected not only for his intellect,” Dr Ramsay said, ‘but for his steady temperament. His contribution to peace and governance in Africa was exceptional’. 

Dr Ramsay stated that his work extended beyond diplomacy into hands-on conflict resolution. 

He served as Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations in Namibia during the UNTAG process that oversaw that country’s transition to independence in 1990. 

He was later appointed by the UN Secretary General to mediate in the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea in the 2000s and also in South Africa during the final years of apartheid transition and later as Special Advisor on Africa at the United Nations.

At home, his wisdom continued to be sought long after retirement. From 2015 to 2018, he served as Special Advisor to former president, Dr Festus Mogae during the South Sudan peace process.

His wife, Ms Pholile Legwaila, who also served with distinction as a diplomat at the UN, said he brought the same commitment to peace into their home.

“He was a wonderful husband, father, uncle and grandfather. He loved people dearly. He truly believed that education is your bread and he helped many relatives and friends pursue their studies,” she said.

“But most of all he carried peace in the family, the community and the world. Even in family disagreements, they called him to reconcile us. It was his nature,” Ms Legwaila added.

Last year, the University of Botswana conferred upon him an Honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) in recognition of his service to public life and international diplomacy a rare tribute to a life lived with purpose, humility and grace.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Church in Gaborone today while his funeral will take place on Saturday in Mathathane in a private ceremony, according to his wishes.

Ambassador Legwaila leaves behind his wife Pholile, their three children, grandchildren and a legacy defined not only by the positions he held but by the gentle firmness with which he made peace. ENDS